Taylor Hendricks breakthrough vindicates Jazz's controversial decision

Before last night, the Utah Jazz hadn't gotten much out of Taylor Hendricks. That's not the most surprising development in the slightest after what he's been through, but what was disappointing is that Hendricks wasn't given much of a leash. The former No. 9 pick broke out last night in their loss to the Grizzlies, and in so doing, proved the Jazz made the right move to rest their veterans for the tank.

For context, Utah went up against Memphis without Lauri Markkanen and Jusuf Nurkic, severely depleting their frontcourt and confirming their plans to go all in on getting a high lottery pick. Doing so also allowed Hendricks to shine off the bench, and he did not disappoint!

Hendricks' talent has always been there, and really, it's all a matter of whether he can put it together to become the player the Jazz want him to be. He can't get those opportunities when Utah has Markkanen and Nurkic both playing, so when they're both out, the kid gloves come off, and Hendricks gets the chance to showcase himself while learning from his mistakes that are sure to be there.

Better yet, the Jazz lost in the process. If that's not enough, they lost in a competitive game, which checks off two boxes: developing Hendricks naturally while also improving their chances of getting a high lottery pick (and keeping it away from Oklahoma City).

In short, even when the Jazz lose, everybody wins!

Expect Hendricks to get more opportunities from here

Because whispers of the Jazz embracing the tank have only gotten louder and louder over the past few weeks, that should mean Hendricks will get more chances to prove himself with more minutes. As talented as he is, Hendricks is still largely unproven. Because he's also coming off a traumatic injury, he also gets the chance to psychologically progress with more playing time.

One may say the Jazz have nothing to lose, but it's actually the opposite. They actually have a lot to lose if they don't get another talented prospect from a bad season. Hendricks hasn't shown himself to be a game-changer (yet), and Utah wants to see results from him, so if the team loses while also seeing improvement from him, that's probably the best-case scenario.

The Jazz are expected to put their veterans on the trade market this season because they don't want to risk improving their standing and endangering their chances of that pick landing in the Thunder's laps. Hence, Hendricks will get more minutes if and when they sell off those vets.

Don't expect Hendricks to dazzle like he did last night consistently. Still, as long as he occasionally shows out as the player the Jazz believe he can become, and as long as it doesn't interfere with the tank, then everything should play out perfectly.